Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has strongly criticised the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) over its reported decision to rename English-medium textbooks using Hindi titles, terming the move as irrational and a form of cultural imposition. Speaking on the matter on Monday, the minister stressed that such a decision undermines India’s rich linguistic diversity and the constitutional principles of federalism.
He pointed out that titles in textbooks play a significant role in shaping the worldview and imagination of students, especially in English-medium contexts. Replacing familiar and contextually appropriate English names with Hindi titles such as ‘Mridangam’ and ‘Santoor’ may alienate students and contradict efforts to foster inclusive education across diverse regions.
Sivankutty argued that Kerala, a state known for its strong commitment to preserving regional cultural and linguistic autonomy, cannot support this top-down approach. He urged the NCERT to withdraw the decision and called upon other states to stand united against such unilateral measures.
Highlighting that education should be a means of empowerment and dialogue, not domination, the minister reaffirmed Kerala’s stance that any curriculum reform must respect the multilingual and multicultural fabric of India. Sivankutty’s remarks reflect growing concerns among regional governments and educators about the increasing centralisation of educational decisions that overlook local contexts and linguistic realities. As debates over language and curriculum intensify, his call for unity among states underscores a broader push to ensure that educational reforms remain inclusive, representative, and rooted in India’s constitutional vision of diversity and federal cooperation.
